Última actualización el 6 de September de 2024 a las 10:09
The Valencia Marathon is renowned for its fast course, festive atmosphere, and its stunning finish line over the waters of the City of Arts and Sciences. But one element stands out above all: the famous blue bridge. In 2021, this iconic segment changed its location without losing any of its spectacular appeal. What is this bridge like? Where was it located before the change? And why was it necessary to move its position during the height of the event? Join us as we uncover the story behind one of the most iconic sections of the Valencia Marathon.
What is the bridge like?
The bridge at the Valencia Marathon is much more than a simple final stretch. It is a long finish line, approximately 300 meters in length, that floats over the lakes of the City of Arts and Sciences. As runners cross this section, they are surrounded by water, with the majestic the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum in the background, creating a unique atmosphere at the end of the race. The blue bridge is one of the most photographed features of the event, symbolizing the effort, emotion, and reward of completing the 42 kilometers.
Since its change in 2021, the bridge has been extended, adding almost 100 meters compared to previous editions, allowing runners to enjoy this magical moment even longer. Additionally, a smoother ramp now leads to the final stretch, making it easier for athletes to maintain their pace right up to the finish line.
Where was it located until 2021?
Until 2021, the blue bridge was located a few meters further back, still in the spectacular setting of the City of Arts and Sciences. The finish line was positioned in front of the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, a place that for more than a decade marked the final point of the marathon’s course. In fact, the history of the Valencia Marathon is closely tied to this iconic space, which for years welcomed thousands of runners from all over the world.
The setting was not only attractive to the runners but also allowed spectators to gather around the lakes and enjoy the arrivals, while the futuristic architecture provided the perfect backdrop for the final celebrations. The famous finish zone, which for a long time was the emblem of this race, hosted epic finishes.
However, this emblematic space had to give up its prominence in 2021 for another type of activity: the mass COVID-19 vaccination effort.
Why was the location changed?
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of many events, and the Valencia Marathon was no exception. The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum was designated as the largest vaccination center in the city. Faced with uncertainty about whether the facilities would be available for the race date, the organization, led by SD Correcaminos and the Valencia City Council, made the decision to relocate the finish line.
This change not only ensured that the marathon did not interfere with the vaccination campaign but also presented new opportunities to enhance the experience for the runners. The new finish line, located next to the Hemisfèric, features a longer straightaway and a more spacious, safer post-finish area. Additionally, the reorganization of the final section eliminated the sharp 90-degree turns that in previous editions could slow runners down, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable finish.
If you’re wondering what time the Valencia Marathon finishes, you’ll be pleased to know that, thanks to these changes, runners now have a quicker and more organized arrival, which has significantly reduced congestion in the finish zone.
This new course has been designed to be even faster, especially in the final kilometers, with favorable altimetry that will help athletes maintain a strong pace to the end. For more details about the route, be sure to check out the Valencia Marathon course.
The Valencia Marathon remains an international benchmark, not only for the beauty of its course but also for its ability to adapt and continuously improve, always thinking about the comfort and safety of its participants. And without a doubt, the magical moment for all runners is when they approach the iconic blue bridge that leads them to glory. For more information on this emblematic segment, we invite you to learn more about the finish zone of the Valencia Marathon.
👉 And remember that on our website you have the complete guide to the Valencia Marathon with all the information so that runners and companions can live a unique and unforgettable experience in Valencia.
Mired is a journalist passionate about sports and a critic specialized in large-scale events, who collaborates with our website to offer a unique perspective on the world’s most important races. Known for her ability to spot key details across multiple websites and her deep knowledge of the Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon, Mired combines detailed analysis with a fresh narrative that reflects her expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Follow her posts to stay up to date with the latest news in the world of running and sports events in Valencia.
